The 20GB model of the PlayStation 3 has been quietly dropped from Sony’s official retail store
SonyStyle, with many other chains also ceasing to offer the console, amidst further speculation that the hardware configuration will be discontinued.
The absence of the 20GB version was first noticed by
blog site Joystiq, which contacted the website, only to be told: “We haven't had it in stock for a month ... We're not getting any more. You could maybe go out and find one." A retail store assistant gave a similar response, indicating that the hardware had not been officially discontinued but that “we haven't seen any in a long time."
As well as a smaller hard drive, the 20GB version of the console does not feature any in-built Wi-Fi connectivity and also lacks the flash memory card readers and chrome trim of the more expensive 60GB version.
Although not as controversial as the Core and Premium packs for the Xbox 360, the 20GB has nevertheless faced some similar criticism and has proven far less popular at retail than the 60GB version. The 20GB PlayStation 3 is not sold at all in Europe, with no confirmed plans from Sony Computer Entertainment Europe to ever make it available.
As well as SonyStyle, the 20GB version of the console is also currently not available at the websites of Best Buy, GameStop and Electronics Boutique. It is however still being sold at Toys ‘R’ Us and through external partners and sellers on Amazon.com.
